How to Insulate Pipes - Weatherization Tips _ The Home Depot

One of the best ways to protect the plumbing system of your home is to insulate your pipes .

It helps keep your hot water pipes warm and prevents water from freezing in cold temperatures .

Cold air could cause the water flowing through your pipes to freeze and expand this can fracture and burst your pipes leading to structural damages .

And a hefty repair bill pipes that are exposed in unheated areas such as basements and exterior walls are particularly vulnerable .

Pipe insulation , not only helps protect you against a catastrophe , but it also reduces plumbing noise , mold growth and heat loss and it allows you to save energy year round .

Always wear safety glasses when working with pipe insulation and follow the guidelines of your manufacturer .

You may need a ladder to reach the pipes particularly in basements with high ceilings .

Like the one shown in this video before you begin the insulation , remove any dirt or grease from the pipes with a rag and mild cleanser and allow the pipes to completely dry .

A couple of the most popular pipe installations are fiberglass pipe wrap and tubular pipe sticks both available in the plumbing aisle of your local home .

Depot store or at home depot dot com .

Fiberglass pipe wrap can be used in high heat areas where tubular installations shouldn't be used near furnaces and water heaters .

It's also suitable for pipes with many bends and turns .

Fiberglass has small glass particles that could break off .

In addition to safety glasses and work gloves , wear a dust mask and a long sleeve shirt for added protection when working with fiberglass to apply the fiberglass pipe wrap , unroll it with the foil side facing upwards , slightly overlap the wrap as you go to ensure the pipe is fully covered .

Even around corners and complex angles don't wrap it too tightly secure the ends of your wrap with acrylic tape or duct tape , tubular pipe insulation or pipe sticks come in a variety of sizes and are useful for copper and iron pipes with long straight runs , measure your pipes to determine the appropriate size pipe sticks to use for them .

Some pipe sticks come pre slit with an adhesive so you can conveniently slip it around pipes and seal the opening pipe sticks made of polyethylene foam are firm .

Whereas rubber foam pipe sticks are flexible .

Rubber foam sticks are more durable and useful for lines connecting to refrigerators and air conditioners to apply pipe sticks , dry fit and cut them to the length of your pipes .

Carve out spaces for valves and T joints .

If you're installing polyethylene foam pipe sticks , use T foam connectors and elbow foam connectors to insulate corners and complex angles , secure the pipe sticks with acrylic tape or duct tape .

When measuring the pipe sticks look for the R value on the package .

The R value is the measure of thermal resistance or the ability of insulation to resist air from passing through it .

The higher the R value , the more effective the insulation is in keeping hot water pipes warm and cold water pipes cool to help maintain your pipe insulation , disconnect your garden hoses .

Use cocking to seal any cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes allow a slow trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to pipes in unheated areas .

If you plan to be away from your home during the cold season , consider draining your water system .

Lastly , check on your pipe insulation regularly to make sure it's in good condition and that it fully covers your pipes .